Past Classes & Workshops

MIT Freshman Arts Program (FAP) Workshop - August 2005.

MIT Natya participated in the 2005 Freshman Arts Program with a 1.5 hour workshop. The session covered the fundamentals of Bharathanatyam including the various hand, leg & head movements, some basic adavus and the abhinaya (emotions) aspect.

We also did a demo of the Misram Alarippu and showed the participants how to depict some animals and birds. The workshop ended with the participants engaging in the "monkey-demon" battle from the Ramayana.

Date: Thursday, August 25th, 2005
Time: 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Venue: Rehearsal Room A, Kresge

Workshop conducted by Neera Jain, Sumati Ram-Mohan and Charuleka Varadharajan.

Advanced Bharatha Natyam, Elements of Choreography and Nattuvangam - October 2004.

MIT-Natya is proud to announce a series of classes focused on learning nattuvangam and techniques of Bharatha Natyam choreography. This course will focus on reciting and playing the rhythmic patterns used in Bharatha Natyam. Based on student interest the course will cover techniques and elements of choreography culminating in a class project where students will contruct one dance item.

This 10 week course will be held on campus and begins on Monday, October 4th. To allow significant interaction with the teacher,the class size is limited. Registration will close soon, register now to reserve your spot in the class.

Fee: $75/ MIT Students and Affilliates / $90/Non MIT
To register: radha[at]mit[dot]edu

Taught by: Gayathri Srinivasan
Gayathri Srinivasan learned the art of nattuvangam (recitation of rhythmic drum syllables) from Kamala Rani of Kalakshetra-Madras. She was trained in the Kalakshetra style of Bharatha Natyam by Jayalakshmi Eshwar from Abhinay-Dehli and from Krishnaveni Lakshmanan from Kalakshetra-Madras. Gayathri is interested in all dance styles and in applying their influence to her choreography. Besides Bharatha Natyam, Gayathri has training in jazz, social dance, and some folk dances of India. She enjoys teaching and developing new choreography. Gayathri is currently pursuing her post-doctoral studies at MIT.

Contact us at natya-exec[at]mit[dot]edu if you are interested in taking or organizing a class with MIT Natya.

IAP Classes - January, 2003

Bharatha Naatyam Classes, Beginner

Abhinaya Workshop by Aparna Sindhoor - June, 2002

What: This is an intensive workshop for experienced dancers which will focus on story telling and abhinaya (facial expression) techniques.

Date: June 28, 2002
Venue: Walker Memorial, MIT

Cost: FREE (There may be a $5 space holding fee which WILL BE RETURNED during the workshop).

For more information contact: radha[at]mit[dot]edu

Aparna Sindhoor is a Choreographer and Bharatha Natyam dancer whose creative works, "Draupadi" and "The Incident and After" have been widely acclaimed. She has performed throughout India and the United States, including a performance at the famous Jacob's Pillow in 1997.

Sindhoor trained in Bharatha Natyam in India for 22 years, including 15 years with renowned Bharatha Natyam dancer and pioneer of Mysore style, Padmabhushan Dr. K. Venkatalakshamma. Sindhoor is the carrier of the Mysore style of the Bharatha Natyam tradition that has been passed on from Jatti Tayamma to Venkatalakshamma to Aparna Sindhoor. Sindhoor is the Artistic Director of the Navarasa Arts Academy and the Navarasa Dance Theater.

IAP Classes - January, 2002

Bharatha Naatyam Classes, Beginner
Bharatha Naatyam Classes, Intermediate
Kalaripayat, Beginner

For more details, check IAP 2002 webpage

Interactive Workshops on Indian Classical Dance - November,2001

On Nov. 11th, 2001, Bharata Natyam and Kalaripayat,
On Nov. 18th, 2001, Kathak, Kuchipudi and Manipuri.

Starting at 2:30pm in Stratton Student Center (W20), Room 491
Admission:Free

No previous dance experience needed. Wear comfortable clothing.